Insurance Claim Decision Timeline

This page describes Georgia law and regulation, which differs from other states. See the Alabama version of this guide or send us your details through a coverage review.

Claim decision requirements vary by state

Every state regulates how long a carrier has to decide a claim after receiving your proof of loss, but the exact deadline and extension rules differ. See our Alabama and Georgia guides for the specific rules in each.

The investigation clock

The decision clock generally starts when the carrier receives your completed proof of loss, not the date of the loss itself. This means a carrier can effectively delay the clock by requesting additional documentation before treating your proof of loss as complete. Keep records of every document you submit, and when.

Legitimate reasons for extension

A carrier can push the decision past the standard window, but only for a specific, stated reason, communicated to you in writing. Common legitimate reasons include the following.

• Third-party expert inspection not yet completed
• Waiting for official records (police report, fire marshal report)
• Active litigation or coverage dispute that affects the outcome

What a denial should include

A denial should be in writing and reference the specific policy provision, condition, or exclusion that supports it. If a denial cites vague language or doesn't reference your policy directly, that is worth raising with your carrier or an advisor.

When delays cross the line into bad faith

Unreasonable delay, repeated requests for documents already submitted, and failure to communicate in writing can support a bad faith claim, but the exact legal standard varies significantly by state. See our bad faith guide for details on your state.

Read about bad faith claims handling →